Smart Assistant for Visually Impaired People

Abstract

It is difficult for blind?persons to move around. While traditional white canes only offer 3D?space assistance and do not inform the user of oncoming objects, potholes, waterways, flames or slopes. In this paper, we have so far developed the filter blind stick with an Arduino UNO and different?sensors, such as the fire sensor, water sensor, depth sensor, and ultrasonic sensor, to detect heat, water, and obstacles in the user\'s path. The new?proposed system improves mobility, safety, and independence of blind individuals. Smart assistant for visually impaired is designed to process the data in real-time which helps the user identify the obstacles in the way and warn at the earliest time via voice so that the user can?walk more confidently. The use of several sensors guarantees broad hazard detection,?reducing risk in both indoor and outdoor settings. The?addition of LED indicators and a switch improves usability too. The device utilizes an Arduino Uno microcontroller, an APR9600-based 8-channel voice module, and four environmental sensors—fire, water, depth, and ultrasonic—to detect hazards. The system issues real-time voice alerts via a speaker and sends GPS location details through a GSM core board module. Power is regulated using a buck converter, ensuring efficiency and portability. The prototype emphasizes accessibility, low cost, and ease of use, with potential applications in both urban and rural areas. This research proposes a cost-effective, smart assistant device designed to increase situational awareness and safety for visually impaired persons.

Introduction

Visually impaired individuals face significant challenges in navigating safely due to limited environmental awareness. Traditional white canes provide only tactile feedback upon physical contact with obstacles, lacking real-time hazard detection. This paper proposes a smart blind stick that integrates multiple sensors (ultrasonic, fire, water, depth) with an Arduino UNO microcontroller to detect hazards before contact and provide voice alerts via an APR9600 module. The device enhances safety by warning users about obstacles, fire, water hazards, and uneven terrain.

Additionally, a GSM module sends emergency SMS alerts to caregivers or contacts when hazards are detected, potentially including GPS location data. This integration allows independent, real-time communication during emergencies, increasing user safety even if they are alone or unconscious. The system is designed to be low-cost, portable, and scalable, making it especially useful in developing countries with limited access to expensive assistive technologies.

The methodology involved selecting sensors, designing the circuit, programming the Arduino for sensor data processing and alerts, assembling the prototype, and testing its responsiveness and accuracy. The device continuously monitors the environment and issues voice warnings while sending SMS alerts when necessary. Power management is handled via buck converters to ensure stable operation of the Arduino and GSM module.

Conclusion

The development of a smart assistive walking stick using an Arduino UNO and multiple environmental sensors offers a significant step forward in enhancing the independence, mobility, and safety of visually impaired individuals. Traditional white canes, while helpful in detecting immediate obstacles by physical contact, do not provide any warning about distant or non-contact hazards such as holes, fire, or water. This smart stick addresses these limitations by proactively identifying potential threats in the user\'s path and delivering timely audio alerts through a simple voice module. The inclusion of an ultrasonic sensor enables real-time detection of obstacles up to several meters ahead, allowing the user to adjust their path before encountering the object. The depth sensor adds another layer of protection by detecting sudden drops or uneven terrain that may pose a falling risk. The fire sensor helps detect the presence of flames, which can be particularly life-saving in indoor or emergency scenarios. Meanwhile, the water sensor alerts the user to slippery or wet surfaces, reducing the chance of slipping or damage to footwear. All sensor data is processed by the Arduino UNO, which acts as a reliable and cost-effective control unit. By utilizing the APR9600 voice module, the system provides pre-recorded, clear voice messages corresponding to each type of hazard. This approach maintains simplicity while ensuring that the user receives crucial information in real-time. The device also includes a vibration motor and buzzer, offering tactile and audible feedback as additional layers of communication, especially useful in noisy or crowded environments. Importantly, this project avoids the use of artificial intelligence or complex algorithms, which not only reduces cost and technical complexity but also ensures the device remains accessible to users in rural or underdeveloped regions where internet connectivity and AI-support infrastructure may be lacking. Its low power consumption, ease of use, and modular design make it an ideal candidate for wide-scale implementation, including government-assisted disability aid programs. This research demonstrates the feasibility of building a cost-effective smart assistant for the visually impaired using an Arduino-based platform. The integration of multiple sensors, a voice module, and a GSM communication system provides both real-time feedback and emergency notification capabilities. With a modular design and scalable features, this system can be customized for various real-world environments and can significantly improve the quality of life and safety of visually impaired individuals. Its affordability and ease of assembly also make it an excellent candidate for deployment in rural and low-income areas.

References

REFERENCES [1] World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). World Report on Vision. [2] https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-vision [3] APR9600 Datasheet. [4] https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/Grove-Sound_Recorder/res/Datasheet_of_APR9600.pdf [5] SIM800L GSM Core Board Datasheet. [6] https://www.makerhero.com/img/files/download/Datasheet_SIM800L.pdf [7] HC-SR04 and Arduino Integration Guide. [8] https://howtomechatronics.com/tutorials/arduino/ultrasonic-sensor-hc-sr04/ [9] Arduino.cc - Official Documentation. [10] https://docs.arduino.cc/

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mrs. Indu, Vishu Malik, Deeksha , Ritik Malik. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.